Managing Director

EmpathyLab is a charitable social enterprise leading a powerful book-based empathy movement across the UK. We’re looking for a new leader to take our pioneering children’s work and partnerships to a new level.

Our mission is to raise an empathy-educated generation, inspired to build a better world for everyone. Research shows that reading builds real-life empathy, and we specialise in harnessing that power. By 2026 we aim to be benefitting one million children a year.

In an exciting development, we’re looking for an exceptional individual - founder and current Managing Director Miranda McKearney OBE will be stepping into a more ambassadorial role, whilst continuing to support the organisation There is a well-established, active board of founding directors with wide ranging skills who will work with the new leader to develop EmpathyLab’s dynamic social impact.

Our four programmes are an annual Read For Empathy book collection; Empathy Day, every June; a Schools’ Programme and innovation work with publishers, authors and illustrators.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the board to shape EmpathyLab’s strategic direction and oversee the development of its programmes

• Implement a fundraising strategy, including developing income from trusts/foundations; earned income and private donations

• Plan and monitor annual budgets with the director of finances support

• Lead organisational planning and deliver growth, ensuring programmes are constantly evolving

• Ensure that reporting & compliance requirements are met

• Manage existing partnerships whilst developing new ones

The successful individual will bring experience of leadership at a senior level; a deep knowledge of the children’s book world; experience of working in, or with the third sector; a successful fundraising track record and experience in education and child development. An understanding of empathy’s role in different settings, including the workplace is needed, plus strong evidence of building enduring partnerships. Experience of managing finances, staff, volunteers and programmes is essential.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation or religion, or any other category protected by law.